September 14, 2004 4:52 PM

Toot your horn with hard facts and figures
Posted by at 4:52 PM

Throughout my professional life I've had co-workers remark that "their work should speak for itself" when it comes time to demonstrate their value at annual performance reviews. It's true that it should be enough but the truth is that when you're talking about promotions and raises, these things rarely come easily no matter how valued you may feel you are. Because what could be a career growth meeting could just as easily turn into a career limiting one, and going in requires you to uphold a high degree of decorum and professionalism, apply a good dose of verbal tact and perhaps most importantly, provide hard data to back up your proven results.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer "Headhunter" Nick Corcodilos has some advice on how to best manage your performance review.

Some readers might believe your record should speak for itself. But, it's important to remember that your boss has more to think about than your record. To get the boss to do what you want, it's up to you to tactfully exert some influence.